Gay activists want Vaughn line pulled from film

The film executives agreed to replace the trailer for The Dilemma following a storm of controversy over the use of the word "gay" in it.

But they insist the scene, in which Vaughn tells a room of people, "Ladies and gentlemen, electric cars... are gay", will stay in the film.

Officials at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), state, "Since late September we have received verbal promises from Universal Pictures to remove an offensive scene from the trailer for the Ron Howard feature comedy, The Dilemma... Unfortunately the company has refused to agree to remove the scene in the movie before its January release date.

"Moreover, after promising to remove the anti-gay trailer, Universal has reportedly still not removed the trailer from theaters.

"When 'gay' is used as a pejorative in such a public way for millions to see and laugh with, it legitimises and propels the many taunts that gay people endure... We need to tell Universal and America that our community is tired of being used as a punchline."

GLAAD bosses have created an online petition, which sends e-mails directly to Universal executives.

A spokesman adds, "If Universal insists on keeping the homophobic material in the final movie they are helping to fuel a climate that endorses and promotes anti-gay attitudes."